Image source, Mark Robinson

And now here comes the champion, the undefeated Oleksandr Usyk, walking to the ring in the colours of his beloved Ukraine.

WBO cruiserweight title holder Lawrence Okolie is backing Anthony Joshua.

Image source, PA Media

And Anthony Joshua is heading to the ring. Eyes steely focused.

Is he going to be a three-time champion or lose for the third time as a professional?

Joshua, in unfamiliar territory, as the underdog.

"Oh Anthony Joshua" to the tune of White Stripes' Seven Nation Army gets an outing from the fans as the British former world champion is shown on the big screens around the arena.

After a rather underwhelming undercard it's time for things to get serious with the main event.

Heavyweight legend Evander Holyfield: "I'm not surprised [Joshua is the underdog] but the fact of the matter is they know they're fighting a little guy. That's what he does, dodge all the time. He'll get hit by a big shot, it'll probably be hard but he's got good defence. He moves real well. If you're going to bet your money on anything, it'll [be on the] little guy unless he gets hit by a big shot."

Heavyweight Joe Joyce: "I'd say Usyk will win again, but I'm not writing off AJ. He's got a puncher's chance. Let's see what he's been working on in the gym and if he's able to beat Usyk, the better boxer."

Anthony Joshua, former unified heavyweight world champion: "It's a ‘must-win’ fight. Preparations have been tough, but I like the pressure. Robert Garcia, Angel Fernandez, members of my previous team as well; they’ve been pushing me, challenging me, ensuring I stay focused, and positioning me to get the job done and emerge victorious.

"This is what competition is all about; setting goals I want to achieve and being disciplined enough to follow them through. That's competition with myself. As you mentioned with the belts, they mean something but that's all at the end of the target. It's not like I'm skipping the process. I'm focused on the process.

"I'm looking forward to it. I want to compete. I'm looking forward to it. I can't really say much else but you've got to have a competitive spirit. I’m prepared to do whatever it takes and I’m looking forward to competing.”

Some more predictions. Here are former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew, who lost to Oleksandr Usyk, and Lennox Lewis - the last man to be an undisputed heavyweight world champion.

Image source, Mark Robinson

Filip Hrgovic of Croatia gets a tight win against China's Zhilei Zhang, even though Zhang knocked his opponent down in the opening round.

Not everyone in the arena agrees with some boos heard.

Undercard, done. Next up the main event.

Who will get the victory tonight in the main event?

Here are the opinions of some big names.

Kal Sajad
BBC Sport at King Abdullah Sports City Arena, Jeddah

Some huge cheers as this fight enters the final round. I'm not sure if they're applauding the two boxers or the fact we're closer to the main event. It's been a long night. The first fight of the day was about seven hours ago.

Image source, Mark Robinson

This one's going the distance.

Zhilei Zhang has slipped in the 11th round against Filip Hrgovic.

But he climbs groggily back to his feet. Is the win still in his grasp?

JF: There is no atmosphere at this ridiculous location for a big fight like this. Saudi sport-washing money is wrecking several sports. They could have sold out Wembley.

T. Shrewsbury Spur: I can't be the only one, but I have no idea at all when Usyk-Joshua is going to start.

We're into the 10th round of Zhang v Hrkovic with Usyk v Joshua next.

Some more predictions, these from Enzo Maccarinelli and Conor Benn...

This is a massive night for Anthony Joshua tonight as he bids to become a three-time champion of the world.

WBO junior-middleweight champion Natasha Jonas: "It's a fight AJ just can't lose. I think we'll see a different AJ. But Usyk is phenomenal and you can never bet against him."

Former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton: "I hope I'm wrong and AJ can do enough to win the fight, but I think he has to do it early. The issue with his engine could be a factor in the fight. The longer the fight goes on, the better chance Usyk has. AJ by knockout has to be early, but I also think Usyk can stop AJ. I think it will be difficult for AJ to beat Usyk on points."

Kal Sajad
BBC Sport at King Abdullah Sports City Arena, Jeddah

There’s a new member of Team Usyk.

At Monday’s media event, the champion was clutching a stuffed donkey – Eeyore from Winne the Pooh to be exact - as he spoke to journalists. He was given the cuddly toy by his 12-year-old daughter Yelizaveta as protection.

“It is my talisman,” he told reporters.

Even the heavyweight champion of the world has a soft side.

READ MORE: From winning world titles to defending Ukraine

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Mark Robinson

Earlier today, British super-bantamweight Ramla Ali produced a dazzling first-round knockout in the first professional women's boxing bout to take place in Saudi Arabia.

Ali stopped the Dominican Republic's Crystal Garcia with a sensational right, which sent her opponent's gumshield flying, with the fight over in just 55 seconds.

The 32-year-old - a Somalian-refugee who took up boxing after being bullied at school - says she hopes to be competing for a world title next.

"It would be nice get a 10-rounder in next and fight for a title," Ali added. "Let's see what the future has in store."

Promoter Eddie Hearn described the bout as "a massive moment" for women's boxing, adding: "World titles are nice but this is historic."

Saudi Arabia has been criticised for using major events to 'sportswash' its reputation in other countries, with campaign group Amnesty highlighting the country's "abysmal" human rights record.

Heavy restrictions on freedom of expression, women's rights and the treatment of the LGBT community have been raised, as has the use of the death penalty for offences not recognised as crimes under international law, and the ongoing conflict in Yemen.

"Ramla Ali's historic fight in Jeddah is obviously a considerable personal achievement for her but like the Joshua-Usyk contest this is primarily about sportswashing for the Saudi authorities," said Felix Jakens, Amnesty International UK's head of priority campaigns.

"Away from the glitz and spectacle of the boxing ring, the reality for women in Saudi Arabia is that they face serious discrimination in marriage, divorce, inheritance and child custody."

READ MORE: From refugee who fled war-torn Somalia to undefeated boxer, model & activist